Now in its third year, the Exeter Progression Awards will support two students from each of the schools through their courses at Exeter College.
Youngsters encouraged by Exeter Progression Awards
The University of Exeter and Exeter College are collaborating with five city secondary schools to assist young people in their route into further education. Now in its third year, the Exeter Progression Awards will support two students from each of the schools through their courses at Exeter College.
The awards are intended to make a real difference to students, who have had to overcome barriers to achieve high academic results. Bereavement, illness, troubled social experiences and having caring responsibilities are examples of the challenging circumstances that these young people have had to overcome
£1,000 over two years is awarded to each student to help them achieve their full potential and is paid in instalments in recognition of their effort and attainment as they progress through their course. Previous students have used this income for buying books, laptops and to fund additional courses to support their educational ambitions. In addition, the University and College offer support and guidance to encourage them to aim high.
Emma Stephenson, Outreach Manager at the University of Exeter explains: ‘The Awards are a major element of our outreach work with the Exeter Schools and they demonstrate the University’s commitment to raising aspirations in the city. We are delighted that some of the first recipients are now holding offers of university places for next autumn and hope that the support offered has helped their progress from Exeter College to higher education.’
As part of the Award Agreement, recipients are asked to work with their schools during the course of their studies to act as role models to younger pupils.
The scheme intends to help spread the message that ‘learning is a good thing’ and was short listed for the 2007 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Student Financial Support Package.
Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Janice Kay said, ‘As far as we know the Exeter Progression Awards are unique in the way that the University and FE College have come together to jointly fund and support students. What we are most proud of is that every year we get nominations that prove that the young people of this city are capable of the most exceptional things.’
The nominated students, their families and teachers will be invited to the University on Thursday 15 May for an evening presentation to receive certificates and to sign award agreements. These will outline the support that the students are being offered and what will be expected of them in return.
The schools involved are:
West Exe Technology College, St Thomas
St Luke’s Science and Sports College
Isca College of Media Arts, Topsham Road
St Peter’s Church of England Aided School
St James School, Beacon Heath
Date: 16 May 2008
